Jimmy's Blog

PC and Laptop screens - Size Matters

In the beginning there was the teleprinter; the results of your computing were simply displayed in printed form on a roll of paper. More ...

Added: 2nd May 2018

Operating System Updates

Since the beginning of computer time there have always been new versions, program updates and system updates. More ...

Added: 12th April 2018

Broadband Speeds

I think that we’ve been here before, but there is no harm in an update to what is one of the biggest technology complaints. More ...

Added: 20th March 2018

Phishing, Spear Phishing and related scams

There are a lot of fish in the sea despite what we’re told, and there are new ones born every day More ...

Added: 6th February 2018

Anti Virus Revisited!

Last month I was asked for some advice…“I keep getting stuff about AVG and security etc. etc. and I find it very confusing. Should I be using them and pressing their buttons?

Added: 12th January 2018

New Year, New Broom

“I’ve got the best broom I’ve ever had; its lasted years and had 4 new heads and 2 new handles! I only ever use it for a bit of light sweeping and I don’t see the point of getting a new one”. More ...

Added: 12th January 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT)

I thought it was about time we had a look at this to help you, humble reader, to better understand how it affects you in today’s world. More ...

Added: 20th November 2017

GDPR (General Data Protection Procedure)

The old Data Protection Act (1998) was designed to protect personal data stored on computers or in paper filing systems by companies or organisations. You had the right to see what information was held, request that it be corrected if wrong, require it NOT to be used for direct marketing and require that it not be used in any way that may cause distress. However, things have moved on since then and the recent data breaches by the NHS, TalkTalk, Yahoo etc. have pointed to a tightening of the regulations. More ...

Added: 12th October 2017

Wires, cables and the paperless office

Those of you of a similar age to me will remember Tomorrow’s World from the 70’s and 80’s when we were promised everything from personal robo-servants to the paperless office … That went well then! More ...

Added: 5th September 2017

Garbage In: Garbage Out!

My thanks to Wikipedia for the following … “Garbage in, garbage out (GIGO) in the field of computer science or information and communications technology refers to the fact that computers, since they operate by logical processes, will unquestioningly process flawed, even nonsensical, input data ("garbage in") and produce undesired, often nonsensical, output ("garbage out")”. More ...

Added: 2nd August 2017

Limited Storage Netbooks

Welcome to summer! Strawberries & cream, Wimbledon, country shows and holidays. Ooh, and whilst I’m away I’ll want to be able to check the weather, get my emails and generally carry on my lifestyle. More ...

Added: 5th July 2017

NHS Encryption Virus Drama

I'm sure that you've all heard by now about the NHS being attracted by an encryption virus. Well, I am not so sure that it is a targeted attack ... much more likely that an employee has opened an email supposedly from a well known supplier, bank or courier company ... this has infected the PC and that has gone on to infect the network and all other computers linked to it both inside, and outside the organisation. Unlucky ... I hope that they have a backup!! More ...

Added: 15th May 2017

Post Brexit price creep and other issues.

Back in June last year the great British public decided that we should leave the EU and it would be easy to blame everything on that; but I’m going to do just that! More ...

Added: 11th May 2017

Microsoft Office, Open Office, LibreOffice … … and there are many more!

A look at the different Office Packages that are available, that many have not heard of. The pros and the cons, and which is best for your day to day use? More ...

Added: 6th April 2017

Today's Biggest Threats...and there are many!

Here are a few, in no particular order but we are sure will affect someone everyday! More ...

Added: 20th March 2017

Banking, Shopping and Paying Online

The options for banking & shopping online have never been so vast and the payment methods ever-more complex. But while you might feel safe among the growing hordes of internet shoppers and bankers, there are still some simple steps you need to follow to protect your details and avoid ID fraud. More ...

Added: 22nd February 2017

Public Wifi and how to stay Safe

The convenience of Wi-Fi for most people is invaluable. Whether it is at home or out & about we long to get connected wirelessly as mobile data is limited in speed and an added expense. More ...

Added: 9th January 2017

Be of good cheer, it's Christmas!

I'm not going to talk about computers at all this time, I’ll just ramble on about a few things that have caught my eye recently and what is hot this Christmas. More ...

Added: 16th December 2016

Myths, Truths and Legends

A few myths, truths and legends of the computer uncovered for you. More ...

Added: 2nd November 2016

How Old is Old?

But what do we actually do all day?

I've been doing this job for some years now and I am still asked what I do all day and if it is a ‘real job’! So I thought that this month I’d relate just a few of the things we have done in the last month. More ...

Added: 22nd September 2016

What's new in the world of Tech?

Where do I start? So much stuff, but not always practical or relevant to life in-and-around Sherborne...find out more More ...

Added: 4th August 2016

Repair, Upgrade or Renew?

When I first started in this business it was all about repairs and upgrades: A new screen, a new hard disk, a new fan or a new power supply. Computers then cost the earth – my first home PC with its 500mb disk, 32mb RAM and a processor from a pocket calculator cost over £1,000 – so renew was never an option. Today, computers have almost become a disposable item when they go wrong, but it's always worth considering your options. More ...

Added: 1st July 2016

Beware the Ransom-ware!

Over the past month a new scam, fraud, virus (whatever you want to call it) has cropped up. Ransom-ware is when your computer becomes infected by a piece of software that encrypts all your data (documents, pictures & music etc) and demands payment of a substantial fee to unlock your stuff. More ...

Added: 1st July 2016

It's all about the Disk!

What is a Hard Disk? What is a Solid State Drive? Read on for all you need to know about disks! More ...

The Wonders of Wireless

Windows 10 or not Windows 10?

Security (Part 3): Backup, Restore & Recovery

So what’s this all about? Backup is creating a copy of your important data, Restore is getting your data back if you’ve lost it and Recovery is another thing altogether; getting your system back up-and-running after a disaster. More ...

Added: 1st February 2016

Security (Part 2): Anti Virus and Internet Security

How to avoid getting your computer infected with viruses and other undesirable stuff. More ...

Added: 1st February 2016

Security (Part 1): Passwords, Email & Telephone Scams

There are a lot of baddies out there trying to get their hands on your hard earned money, and it's up to you to be safe and secure. More ...

Added: 16th November 2015

Tablets: Life without a PC or Laptop

2 years ago we moved offices from a home workshop in my converted garage to the new shop in downtown Milborne Port, my computer going with the move. More ...

Added: 1st October 2015

Email: Setup and Synchronisation (with Mobiles and Tablets)

We get asked a lot to resolve email issues, especially where the user wants to use multiple devices like a PC as well as a laptop, smartphone and tablet. More ...

Added: 1st July 2015

ISPs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!

Well, that's probably a bit unfair! So let's have a look at what Internet Service Providers (ISPs) actually do ... More ...

Added: 1st June 2015

Printers: Love 'em and hate 'em!

Woe is me! Every time I pick up the phone and the client at the other end says "my printer's stopped working", my heart sinks. I even despise my own printer. More ...

Added: 1st May 2015

MAC or PC? PC or MAC?

A question I am often asked is "should I get a Mac to replace my PC? My children tell me it'll better". Hopefully I can help you to make this momentous decision. More ...